Hey guys,

Long time lurker, big fan of the site. Finally came across a question that I couldn't find a clear answer on while searching. I was hoping to get some consensus by the end of the day when I start to reassemble things...

I've got a new head from engnbldr, new timing chain kit, new header, and all of the respective gaskets just waiting to be installed. I finally got some time to fix the truck ( 89 22RE ). I'm about to go out and start tearing everything down, but I want to know if I should be planning on using RTV in addition to the gaskets when I put it back together?

Is there a special RTV for the header gaskets? I've seen people mention something about a copper-based RTV?

What about the head gasket? Should I be using any type of compound in addition to the gasket?

Timing chain gaskets?

Thanks for the input!
R5

 

Yea you need high temp(orange) rtv at least where the head and timing chain cover come together not sure about the where else tou need it been a while since I've done it

 

Between the head and timing chain cover yes but not the main part of the head gasket. Buy a Toyota head gasket from Toyota. That is your best option as far as that goes. I put rtv between my oil pan/timing chain gasket and between the head/timing chain gasket. There is also a bolt in the water pump I believe you need to rtv. Then let it dry for 12-24 hrs. This lets the rtv dry and no pieces will float off in oil or water lines and dry when off. Plugged oiling lines are bad news. Just a thought.

 

This is pretty much a personal choice

i am one for using it on the oil pump, water pump between the head and timing cover.

At the corners of the rubber half moons in the valve covers .

Might be other places I forgot.

 

The thing where the thermostat is I for get what that's called but we always rtv'ed it too.

 

I rtv everything. If there's a gasket I only do one surface that way if you have to take it apart it'll be easier. My buddy uses the red rtv(high temp) one exhaust manifold or headers in conjunction with the gaskets, no leaks and it surprisingly didn't burn off. It's like an art tho, no globs of it, just to break off and float around...

 

i only use "right stuff" gasket maker, once i went the
re, i never went back.

 

I pretty much glued my entire motor together. I wanted NO leaks. And I got exactly what i wanted. Used "Right Stuff" on both sides of gasket for rear main seal housing, oil pan, timing cover, 2 dabs on head gasket mating surface where timing cover and block meet head, and water pump. 5k miles now and not a drop of ANYTHING! Good peace of mind, too. I love RTV. Remember though, more is NOT better. Use just enough for a thin bead, after torqueing bolts it spreads out a lot.

 

I always use "Ultra" black or grey since they are oil/coolant resistant. Same for gear oil. Over time, normal RTV will break down and leak, in my experience. And I use copper spray gasket on exhaust gaskets and head gaskets.